Rock art in Ballinvally

This is located towards the bottom of the N-facing foothills of Loughcrew. A large erratic has split into four pieces and the upper surfaces of each piece is decorated. They were fully recorded by Shee Twohig (et al. 2010, 17-19). Stone A (max. dims 2.15m x 1.95m; H 0.6m) has seven cupmarks and fourteen cup and circles. The central motif is a cup and double circle. Stone B (max. dims 2.35m x 1.6m; H 0.6m) is just to the N of A but its SE side, where most motifs are, is markedly lower (c. 2cm). This recessed area has about 6 cupmarks, thirteen cup and circles and two cup and double circles, while the W part of the stone has five cup and circles and one cup and double circle. Stone C (max. dims 2m x 0.55m; H 0.9m) is just W of stone B but its decorated surface slope up 30 degrees to the SE. It has about five small cupmarks, four cup and circles, and a central cup and double circle. Stone D (dims 3.6m x 0.9-1.6m; H 1.3m) is just to the NW of C and is divided into four panels by natural fissures and differences in level. Each section has a cup with multiple circles (three or four) and in addition there are a total of four cup and double circles, at least twelve cup and circles but only about four single cupmarks. (Eogan 2011, 4, No. 1) Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 3 March, 2017

This rock art is likely from the Neolithic or Bronze Age, given its location in a landscape rich in megalithic monuments. The carved symbols may have held ritual or territorial significance, possibly linked to early farming communities or spiritual practices.